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MARSH HARBOUR, Bahamas — An investigation into the mysterious disappearance of American citizen Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas is now being approached as a potential murder case, according to information from a U.S. official who is closely involved with the inquiry, as reported by News Media.
Lynette Hooker went missing on April 4 during a nighttime boating excursion with her husband, Brian Hooker, near Elbow Cay located in the Abaco Islands. Brian Hooker claims that Lynette accidentally fell from their dinghy and was carried away by the current. To date, no trace of Lynette’s body has been found.
Authorities are considering the incident a homicide and are meticulously examining digital evidence, tracking location histories, and scrutinizing the couple’s sailboat, Soulmate. This vessel was recently confiscated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service as part of their ongoing probe.
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An undated photograph shows Brian and Lynette Hooker aboard a dinghy in the water. (Image credit: Brian Hooker/Facebook)
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After the vessel left the Bahamas, authorities seized it and the Coast Guard docked Soulmate in Fort Pierce, Florida. Eventually, officials relocated the boat to a port in Fort Lauderdale.
A U.S. official familiar with the investigation previously confirmed to News Media that, once pulled from the water, Soulmate would be taken to a warehouse to be combed for clues.
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Investigators are expected to examine the vessel’s electronics, navigation systems and any other potential forensic evidence aboard.
A map shows the reported movements of Brian and Lynnette Hooker on the night of April 4, 2026 between the Abaco and Marsh Harbour. (Google Maps)
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“Any sort of digital devices that you can take, any computer systems that you can extract, anything of that sort, will be taken in,” said Nicole Parker, former FBI special agent and Fox News contributor.
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Brian Hooker leaves Central Police Station after being released from custody, Freeport, the Bahamas, Monday, April 13, 2026. Hooker, who is accompanied by his lawyer, Terrel A. Butler, was being questioned over the disappearance of his wife, Lynette Hooker, who he says fell overboard from their dinghy earlier this month. (Matthew Symons for News Media)
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Brian Hooker was initially detained by Bahamian authorities after Lynette was reported missing, but he was later released.
Lynette Hooker went missing after she fell off a small boat on Saturday evening. Her husband, Brian Hooker, reported her missing early Sunday morning. (Lynette Hooker/Facebook; Brian Hooker/Facebook)
He has not been charged with any crime or accused of wrongdoing. His attorney could not be reached for comment after numerous attempts by News Media.